In a special council meeting today, the inaugural session saw Mayor John Grace and the new Council sworn in at Goderich Town Hall.

Incumbent council members Trevor Bazinet, Matt Hoy, Jim Donnelly and Myles Murdock (Deputy Mayor), were sworn in for another term, alongside newly elected Councillors Stephen Tamming and Shawn Thomson.

“All is a result of our election that brought in 61.6 per cent voter turn-out,” states Grace.

“As Mayor, I will lead council and focus on the spirit of collaboration and partnership to move our community forward.”

Mayor Grace spoke on his plans for the next four years which includes reviewing and updating procedural by-laws, to adopt the formation of an environmental committee, and to re-establish the economic development and tourism committee with a new set of terms of reference.

Grace states that he is looking to council to strengthen the relationship with partners at Goderich Port and users of the port in conjunction with the Town of Goderich.

In addition, Grace would like to strengthen the business sector, primarily on the square, to grow the vibrancy of the downtown core.

“Our downtown is the centre for all residents. The culture of this sleepy little downtown needs to be uplifted. It has so much potential. It just needs the energy. We must be bold in some of our approaches,” Grace says.

Now that Council has been sworn in and there is no female representative on council, Mayor Grace suggests to change procedural by-laws, requiring committees to have a minimum three females on board.

“The first thing I spoke about was opening up the procedural by-law. By opening that, we will develop all our committees and come to a standard. A committee of seven, and that must be represented by three men and three women, and the seventh person will be either gender,” explains Grace.

“That brings forward the whole outward look to bring diversity and inclusivity into the political process.”

Lastly, after discussing waterfront development as a key focus for council moving forward, Grace spoke on youth attraction and retention as a necessary step towards economic development and residential growth.

“We need them more than we have ever before. They will provide that healthy, vibrant and sustainable environment. They are Goderich’s future,” Grace says.

“Council, the key to our success over the next four years will be hard work, thoughtful and respectful engagement, and by being open to new ideas, while being transparent, inclusive and accountable.”

Grace who furthers that he is humbled by the experience is really looking forward to getting to work with council and staff.

Council will resume regular meetings next Monday, Dec. 10 at 4:30pm at Goderich Town Hall.